OSU official accused of having drug

5/5/2008

COLUMBUS - Ohio State University's student housing director has been suspended with pay while officials look into allegations that he possessed crystal methamphetamine, a university spokesman said.

Authorities say Franklin County sheriff's deputies found a bag containing an ounce of the highly addictive drug while searching the Columbus home of Ronald Kochendoerfer.

He was arrested on Friday on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and released Saturday morning.

He has not been charged, authorities said.

Franklin County sheriff's spokesman Steve Martin said deputies went to Mr. Kochendoerfer's off-campus home as part of an investigation into drug smuggling at the county jail.

As assistant vice president for student housing, Mr. Kochendoerfer oversees OSU's student residence hall system.